Catmommy - I'm glad your lunch wasn't completely ruined by the screaming loaf. I'm with you - I don't understand why breeders can't take their kiddies to restaurants that are obviously family friendly, instead of dragging the loaves along to a restaurant that has a bar and doesn't have coloring books, a children's menu. etc.
Yesterday, my DH and I went out for lunch. I don't like to go out for lunch on Sunday very often because that's usually a very crowded time in restaurants, with all of the famblees dining out after church. I'd rather cook at home on Sunday, or go out for dinner on Sunday evening when it's less crowded. But yesterday was close to 90 degrees in Texas, and our air conditioner was broken (it's being fixed tomorrow), and I just didn't want to cook lunch in our small, hot kitchen. So DH and I decided go to an upscale cafe near us. I describe this cafe as upscale because it's in a fancy shopping center, and it has a wine bar and only a few items on the menu that could appeal to children. To me, even the word "cafe" signals that the place is probably not family friendly.
But wouldn't you know it - the place was almost wall-to-wall parents and sprongs when we arrived shortly after 12 p.m! Fortunately, we found a table that was away from the rugrats and their handlers, and the noise wasn't too bad. But I was still ticked that I couldn't get away to have a nice, quiet lunch in a place that is obviously aimed at adults without having to listen to kids babble.
I'm also wondering how the hell these breeders can afford to dine out in places like this cafe (where even salads start at $6), or in even more upscale places like Legal Sea Foods, with all the kids in tow. I know that my parents couldn't afford to do this when my sisters and I were little, especially since Mom was a housewife. The only restaurant I remember us going to regularly was Long John Silvers - a place that is obviously child friendly. I don't remember going to restaurant with waiters until I was about 9 years old or so - not even for a special occasion.
Instead of us going out to eat all the time (something that many breeders seem to do with their kids), Mom ACTUALLY COOKED - and she was great at it too and knew how to save money by cooking at home.
That's one reason why my DH and I cook at home most of the time instead of going out to eat - it's cheaper, and it's probably also healthier for us to eat at home. Avoiding the breeders and their noisy offspring is just one more reason!